HOMES BY HOGANS LEARNING CENTER
Jacksonville Real Estate Learning Center
Practical Jacksonville real estate guidance for buyers, sellers, first-time homeowners, new-construction buyers, and families comparing Northeast Florida communities.
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Buying a HomeFrom pre-approval to closing day3 articlesHome Buying EducationTerminology, FAQs, and foundational educationComing soonJacksonville CommunitiesFind the neighborhood that fits your lifeComing soonMarket ReportsLocal data, local perspective1 articleMortgage BasicsLoan programs explained in plain language4 articlesNew ConstructionBuilder contracts, upgrades, and representation5 articlesSelling a HomePrice right, sell fast, keep your equityComing soon
Featured Articles
New Construction
Jacksonville’s First Lagoon Community: What Buyers Should Know About Diamond Springs
What Jacksonville buyers should know about Diamond Springs, Duval County’s first lagoon community, including homes, builders, amenities, representation and buyer due diligence.
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Why Are Jacksonville Home Buyers Waiting — and What Does It Mean for Sellers?
Why are some Jacksonville home buyers still waiting? See how mortgage rates, affordability, inventory, new construction and buyer leverage are shaping the Jacksonville real estate…
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Buying a HomeMortgage Basics
Can a Seller Pay Closing Costs? Why Offering More May Help
A Jacksonville buyer may be able to preserve cash by negotiating seller-paid closing costs and an interest-rate buydown—even when the offer price is higher.
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New Construction
What Should Buyers Know About the Meritage Homes Warranty?
Learn how the Meritage Homes warranty is structured, where to find the homeowner portal and Customer Care number, and what Jacksonville buyers should verify before…
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All Articles
New Construction
Jacksonville’s First Lagoon Community: What Buyers Should Know About Diamond Springs
What Jacksonville buyers should know about Diamond Springs, Duval County’s first lagoon community, including homes, builders, amenities, representation and buyer due diligence.
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Why Are Jacksonville Home Buyers Waiting — and What Does It Mean for Sellers?
Why are some Jacksonville home buyers still waiting? See how mortgage rates, affordability, inventory, new construction and buyer leverage are shaping the Jacksonville real estate…
→
Buying a HomeMortgage Basics
Can a Seller Pay Closing Costs? Why Offering More May Help
A Jacksonville buyer may be able to preserve cash by negotiating seller-paid closing costs and an interest-rate buydown—even when the offer price is higher.
→
New Construction
What Should Buyers Know About the Meritage Homes Warranty?
Learn how the Meritage Homes warranty is structured, where to find the homeowner portal and Customer Care number, and what Jacksonville buyers should verify before…
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New Construction
Do You Need a Realtor When Buying New Construction?
Last reviewed: August 27, 2026 — Reviewed by Marshawn Hogans, Homes By Hogans. You generally do not have to hire a real estate agent to…
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New Construction
Does Your New Construction Home Need an Independent Inspection?
Learn when a new construction home inspection may be valuable, how it differs from city inspections and builder walkthroughs, and what Jacksonville buyers should evaluate.
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Market Reports
Jacksonville Housing Market Update: August 2026 Final Report
THE SHORT ANSWER August 2026 ended with a slower Northeast Florida housing market, but not a collapsing one. realMLS reported 2,270 closed sales, a $358,000…
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Buying a HomeMortgage Basics
Jacksonville Buyer Closing Costs: What to Budget For
Learn what Jacksonville home buyers may pay at closing, how closing costs differ from a down payment, and how credits or assistance may affect cash…
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Mortgage BasicsNew Construction
Builder Lender vs. Independent Lender: Compare the Whole Offer
Compare a builder's preferred lender with an independent lender by reviewing incentives, rate, APR, fees, monthly payment, cash to close, and deadlines.
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Buying a HomeMortgage Basics
Jacksonville First-Time Home Buyer Programs: What to Know Before You Apply
Explore Jacksonville first-time home buyer programs, down-payment assistance, low-down-payment loans, eligibility questions, and the next steps to prepare.
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Have a Question Marshawn Can Answer Directly?
Every article in the Learning Center is written from real conversations with Jacksonville buyers and sellers. If you have a question that isn't covered here, ask Marshawn directly.